Attention Bookstore Owners

I have hardcover copies of Noble Cause available for a 40 percent discount to bookstores that order five or more copies. I would also be glad to sign them for you before shipping them out. Please use the Contact Me button on the left to order your copies. (ISBN: 9780979600043).

Noble Cause is here!

Yes, the 150th anniversary of the Civil War commemorative edition of the historical fiction novel Shades of Gray is finally here!

The new title is Noble Cause: A Novel of Love and War. It is a hardcover edition, and came about as a result of numerous romance readers requesting a more "happily ever after" ending for their beloved characters in Shades of Gray.

For those who are not yet familiar, this is the tale of Colonel Alexander Hunter, a dauntless and daring Confederate cavalry officer, who, with his band of intrepid outcasts, becomes a legend in the rolling hills of northern Virginia. Inspired by love of country and guided by a sense of duty and honor, Hunter must make a desperate choice when he discovers the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect is the Union spy he vowed to his men he would destroy.

 Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the paths of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.

I'm very excited about this novel and had a great time launching it in historic Charleston, S.C. in April during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War commemoration events. I was even in Charleston on the same day as the bombardment of Fort Sumter began 150 years ago!

The next few years are going to be a wonderful time to learn more about the War Between the States. I hope everyone takes advantage of the events their state is planning. For information, I recommend Civil War News and Civil War Traveler.

Jessica James

Stop over at my Life in the Past Lane blog to read about my trip to Richmond and the signing of my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray at historic Shirley Plantation.

Civil War captain used secret code to express his love

Civil War captain used secret code to express his love

Words of love with a Civil War touch

I know much of the country is white with snow right now, but with Valentine's Day approaching, it's time to have warm hearts even if the rest of us is freezing.

In honor of the romantic occasion, I have put together a little booklet called "From the Heart: Love Stories and Letters from the Civil War."

These are true stories of enduring love that I have run across in doing research for my award-winning historical fiction novel Shades of Gray. Since this year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, I thought this topic would be very fitting.

In the book, I have included letters from some of the most well known Civil War leaders, including generals J.E.B. Stuart, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, and George Pickett, among others.

No matter how much or little you know about these important historical characters, I think you will be surprised at their heartfelt words of love.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this e-book, please either leave a comment or email me directly with your email address, and feel free to follow my blog at http://www.jessicajamesblog.com/. I'll be sending the book out the first week of February.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Jessica James

Southern Book Tour in Feburary

The Amelia Island Book Festival is now less than a month away, so I thought I'd post an abbreviated itinerary of where I will be during my trip to Florida for the Festival. Booksellers can contact me if they'd like to purchase books or have me stop by to sign stock.

Feb. 14: Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Feb. 15: Charleston, S.C.

Feb. 16-18: Amelia Island, Florida

Feb. 19: St. Augustine, Florida

Feb. 20: Savannah, Georgia

Feb. 21: Lumberton, N.C.

Feb. 22: Gettysburg, Pa. (unless it's snowing :)